General News
2 January, 2026
Welcome Record to print last
Dunolly’s much loved community newspaper The Welcome Record (TWR) will be stopping press until further notice, as a result of ongoing struggles for adequate volunteer numbers.
For nearly half a century, the independent publication has been released twice a month throughout Dunolly, Bealiba, Tarnagulla, Moliagul, and Maryborough, solely relying on the work of local volunteers.
TWR’s editor Angela Ang said the pressure to secure volunteers felt across the community has even seeped its way to the publication.
“Previously, newly retired residents would run not only the paper but also join other community groups. These days, as parents or grandparents are always busy, busy, busy, it is a difficult time to procure volunteers for every community group, even the local RSL has trouble getting volunteers,” she said.
“There is a fear of technology and a lack of confidence in learning new skills despite our offers of training. Our biggest challenge is to secure an editor or even better, two co-editors so they can share the load, plus rostered columnists, writers and reporters who can be on call when required to cover timely stories.”
As a result, the newspaper has been left with no option but to undergo a hiatus.
TWR originated as a “sport record” in 1979, as a leaflet created to document local results, team selection, match times and venues.
Following this, more local volunteers began to incorporate additional content and advertising with each edition consisting of upcoming event details, council updates, columns from locals and letters to the editor.
“The irony is that TWR is more successful and is read more than ever across the Goldfields. We sell out each issue amid having a dedicated online readership, now averaging 24 to 28 thousand views per month and growing, since we have actively promoted each issue online. The population of Dunolly is about 1200,” Ms Ang said.
“There is a fear of time commitment of volunteers as previously the production of the paper, especially for the editor and production staff, used to be a very long two to three days to edit, write and layout pages. We have created a new user-friendly way of producing the paper, the old model was simply unsustainable.
“Our new process has cut down the amount of time which can be shared among a team of volunteers. The unfortunate situation that we are in is prevalent with many rural and regional community papers either merging or closing.”
In recent years, TWR has received Community News Association Victoria’s Best Community Newspaper in 2023 and Best Community Content in 2024.
Yet the publication has still struggled to pin down writers to keep up with continual local content.
“The constant need and call out for volunteers has been ongoing for the past four to five years. There have been many previous calls for volunteers to keep the paper going with little or no response,” Ms Ang said.
“Our readers love the front covers, always looking forward to seeing who’s on it and love the local celebrations, stories, and information we provide. We’ve even been asked to produce community newspapers for other local towns, which we have kindly declined.
“As the Dunolly community paper, TWR is the heartbeat or our town and is a historical record of who we are, the good, the bad, the sadness and joy of what was happening for our community at a moment in time.”
A final issue will be released on February 4, 2026 to commemorate Dunolly Australia Day award recipients.
Locals interested in volunteering with TWR are encouraged to contact editorial@thewelcomerecord.com.au
“Community spirit and basic computer skills, such as Microsoft Word, is required. Just drop us an email expressing your interest as the office is not always open during the summer break and we will meet, discuss and provide training for a role that fits,” Ms Ang said.